Dairy expert scoops professorship

Dr Dave Robert was also granted the title professor of dairy farming at a graduation ceremony at the University of Glasgow’s Bute Hall today.
And vice principal of research Professor Geoff Simm praised Dr Roberts’ significant contributions to research and the exchange of knowledge about dairy science.
He said: “Through Dr Roberts leadership the SRUC Dairy Research and Innovation Centre at Crichton Royal Farms is now recognised internationally for the research work it does and the way it ensures lessons learned reach industry practitioners.
“Dave has been particularly effective in leading researchers from different disciplines and organisations to work together on innovative dairy systems, be that in temperate climates like here in Scotland and Europe or smallholder systems in countries like Malawi.”
Dr Roberts’ commitment to knowledge exchange was demonstrated by the award in 2011 of the DairyCo Research partnership valued at £2.5 million over five years and involving SRUC, Harper Adams University, Irish organisation Teagasc, NIAB and British Grassland Society.
He also led the development of research focusing on land use and this work is now at the forefront of dairy systems thinking in the UK.
In addition to his research role, Dr Roberts plays a key role in the local community and is also dean of centre for both SRUC Barony and SRUC Crichton campuses.